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Outline of John


Gary E. Schnittjer
Copyright © 2012, 2016
 
Overview

            Two main sections make up the Gospel according to John, the signs (2-11) and the time of glory (12-20). Beginning with the first of seven signs Jesus notes that the hour is not yet, a point which is reinforced again. When Jesus has entered Jerusalem some Greeks ask to see him. Jesus responds that the hour of the father’s glory has come. These two main sections are framed by a thematic prologue and naming the son (1), and an epilogue affirming Peter and enforcing the responsibility of the disciples (21). The section of the signs begins with baptism and closes with resurrection of Lazarus (1; 11) and the section of the time of glory begins with anointing and ends with resurrection of the Lord (12; 20).

            The book of the signs feature seven signs (see below), and the teachings of Jesus feature seven “I am” saying: (1) I am the bread of life (6:35); (2) I am the light of the world (8:12); (3) I am the gate (10:7, 9); (4) I am the good shepherd (10:11, 14); (5) I am the resurrection and the life (11:2); (6) I am the way and the truth and the life (14:6); (7) I am the true vine (15:1, 5). Also important are the 3x Christ refers to himself being lifted up (3:14; 8:28; 12:32).


I, Prologue (1:1-18)
 
II, The Signs (2-11)
► Baptism and “Naming” Jesus (1:19-51)
(A) Judaic Institutions (2-4)
(1) new wine in ceremonial washing jars (sign one) (2:1-12)
(2) cleansing the temple (2:13-25)
(3) instructing a rabbi on birth from above (3:1-21)
> First time Jesus makes reference to himself being lifted up (3:14; cf. 8:28; 12:32)
(4) John the Baptist speaks of the bridegroom from above (3:22-36)
(5) forgiving a Samaritan woman (4:1-42)
(6) healing the official’s son (sign two) (4:43-54)
(B) Judaic celebrations (5-10)
(1) Sabbath, healing at the pool of Bethesda on the sabbath (sign three) (5)
(2) Passover, feeding the five thousand, walking on the water, and the bread of life discourse (signs four and five) (6)
● I am the bread of life (6:35)
(3) Tabernacles, teaching and disputes at the feast—water and light (7-8)
● I am the light of the world (8:12)
> Second time Jesus makes reference to himself being lifted (8:28; cf. 3:14; 12:32)
(4) Sabbath, healing the blind man (sign six) (9)
(5) Dedication (Lights, Hanukkah) teaching and disputes—the good shepherd (10)
●I am the gate (10:7, 9)
● I am the good shepherd (10:11, 14)
(6) raising Lazarus (sign seven) (11)
● I am the resurrection and the life (11:2)
 
III, The Time of Glory (12-20)
► Mary anoints Jesus and triumphal entry (12:1-11, 12-19)
(A) Jesus announces the time of glory (12:20-50)
> Third time Jesus makes reference to himself being lifted (12:32; cf. 3:14; 8:28)
(B) Farewell discourse
(1) washing the disciples feet (13:1-17)
(2) predicting the betrayal (13:18-30) and the denial (13:31-38)
(3) Jesus goes to prepare a place and the advocate will arrive (14)
● I am the way and the truth and the life (14:6)
(4) the vine and the branches (15)
● I am the true vine (15:1, 5)
(5) the advocate will come (16)
(C) the prayer of Christ (17)
(D) Death and Resurrection
(1) arrested, tried, and denied (18)
(2) Jesus sentenced, crucified, and buried (19)
(3) resurrection and appearances of Christ (20)
 
IV, Epilogue at the Sea of Tiberius (21)
 
[Outline indebted to on R. Brown, AB; G. Burge, NIVAP, and my own reading.]


For further reading, and full details of sources cited in notes see New Testament bibliography.  Also see bibliography on the use of scripture in scripture.


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